The return of the NBA to NBC after nearly a quarter-century absence was commemorated in spectacular fashion as composer John Tesh delivered a live performance of his iconic theme song, "Roundball Rock," during Sunday's 2026 NBA All-Star Game at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. This marked a historic moment, as it represented the first time Tesh has ever performed the beloved basketball anthem inside a sports arena, transforming a simple theme song into a centerpiece of basketball culture.
The performance took place during the player introductions, creating an electric atmosphere that transported longtime fans back to the 1990s and early 2000s, when the NBA on NBC broadcast was synonymous with the sport's golden era. The legendary broadcaster Bob Costas had the honor of introducing Tesh, a fitting choice given that Costas' voice was as much a part of those classic broadcasts as the theme music itself. His presence provided an authenticity that no other announcer could have delivered.
A Nostalgic Introduction
Costas, who narrated countless NBA on NBC openings during his tenure, set the stage perfectly for this momentous occasion. "By the way, for the first time in 24 years, the All-Star Game is back on NBC," Costas announced to viewers. "And to come to think of it, so am I, although for me it hasn't been quite that long. And with the return of the NBA on NBC, we welcome back its soundtrack, 'Roundball Rock.' So, to get the festivities started, he's the man who composed that iconic track, John Tesh."
The synergy between Costas' distinctive narration and Tesh's musical composition created a powerful wave of nostalgia that resonated throughout the arena and with viewers at home. For many basketball enthusiasts, this combination defined their introduction to the sport, making Sunday's collaboration particularly meaningful. The moment was perfectly choreographed to remind audiences of the magic that made NBA on NBC appointment television during basketball's most iconic era, when superstars like Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kobe Bryant became household names.
The Live Performance
As the arena lights dimmed and anticipation built, Tesh took center court to perform the instrumental piece that has become one of the most recognizable sports themes in television history. The familiar piano-driven melody, punctuated by its energetic brass sections and driving rhythm, filled the Intuit Dome as All-Star players were introduced one by one. The performance was not merely a musical interlude but a ceremonial passing of the torch, signaling the NBA's return to its former broadcast home.
The choice to feature the performance during player introductions was particularly inspired, as it mirrored how the theme was originally used during NBC's broadcasts. In those days, "Roundball Rock" would play as the broadcast began, building excitement for the matchup to come. On Sunday, it served the same purpose, building anticipation for the league's marquee exhibition event and reminding everyone of the broadcast's significance.
Social media immediately lit up with clips of both Costas' introduction and Tesh's performance, with fans expressing their excitement and appreciation across platforms. The moment served as a reminder of how deeply sports broadcasting elements can embed themselves in popular culture, transcending their original purpose to become timeless artifacts that connect generations of fans. Within minutes, video clips had been viewed millions of times, demonstrating the enduring power of this musical piece.
Cultural Significance of Roundball Rock
Composed by Tesh in 1990, "Roundball Rock" became the sonic signature of NBA basketball for more than a decade. The theme's enduring popularity stems from its perfect encapsulation of the era—grandiose, energetic, and unmistakably associated with the league's biggest stars and most important games. The composition's driving beat and memorable melody somehow captured the essence of 1990s basketball: fast-paced, star-driven, and endlessly exciting.
When NBC lost its NBA broadcasting rights in 2002, the theme was retired from national airwaves, though it never faded from fans' memories. Instead, it became a nostalgic touchstone, a piece of audio memorabilia that instantly transported listeners back to the days of Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, and the league's explosive growth into a global phenomenon. The theme was so beloved that it continued to be requested at Tesh's concerts and remained a staple of sports highlight reels and nostalgic compilations.
The decision to bring Tesh back to perform live underscores the NBA and NBC's understanding of their shared history and the emotional connection fans have to this particular era of basketball coverage. In recent years, the All-Star Game has faced criticism for various format changes and perceived lack of competitiveness, making this authentic, crowd-pleasing moment particularly valuable for the league's relationship with its core audience.
A Highlight Amidst Modern Criticism
While the NBA All-Star Weekend has drawn scrutiny for its evolution away from traditional formats and questions about player effort, Tesh's performance provided a rare moment of universal acclaim. It represented something that both longtime followers of the sport and newer fans could appreciate—a celebration of basketball's cultural heritage that didn't depend on the outcome of a game or the intensity of play.
For many longtime viewers, it was undoubtedly the highlight of the entire weekend, eclipsing even the on-court action in terms of pure emotional impact. The performance tapped into something deeper than a simple exhibition game could provide: a direct connection to the sport's history and the broadcast tradition that helped make the NBA what it is today. In a weekend often criticized for lacking authenticity, this moment was undeniably real.
The moment also highlighted the broader context of NBC's return to NBA broadcasting. After two decades of partnerships with other networks, the league's renewed relationship with NBC represents a homecoming of sorts. The network was instrumental in growing the NBA's popularity during the Michael Jordan era, and the familiar theme music serves as an auditory bridge to that influential period in sports history.
The Business of Nostalgia
The strategic decision to feature "Roundball Rock" so prominently reveals how sports leagues and networks increasingly leverage nostalgia as a valuable asset. In a fragmented media landscape where streaming services and multiple broadcast partners compete for attention, iconic elements from the past can cut through the noise and create immediate emotional connections with audiences. The NBA's willingness to embrace its NBC era shows a sophisticated understanding of brand heritage.
For NBC, the return of NBA basketball represents a significant investment in live sports programming, which remains one of the few types of content that consistently draws large, engaged audiences. Having "Roundball Rock" in their arsenal provides an instant brand identity for their NBA coverage, distinguishing it from competitors who have held the rights for the past two decades. The theme becomes a sonic logo that immediately communicates "NBA on NBC" to millions of viewers.
Looking Forward to a New Era
As the NBA enters this new chapter with NBC, the inclusion of "Roundball Rock" suggests a willingness to honor the past while building the future. The theme will likely feature prominently throughout the network's coverage, providing continuity for older viewers while introducing a new generation to one of sports television's most iconic anthems. This strategy acknowledges that in modern sports broadcasting, heritage and tradition can be powerful differentiators.
The live performance at the All-Star Game sets a tone for this renewed partnership—one that respects tradition and understands the power of nostalgia in sports entertainment. For John Tesh, whose composition has outlived its original broadcast run to become a cultural touchstone, the opportunity to perform in front of a live arena audience represents a full-circle moment, cementing "Roundball Rock's" legacy not just as a television theme, but as a piece of basketball history itself.
In an era where sports leagues constantly seek innovation and fresh approaches, there's something powerful about acknowledging what came before. The NBA's decision to embrace its NBC heritage, complete with its most memorable musical element, demonstrates an understanding that progress and tradition need not be mutually exclusive. Instead, they can work together to create moments that resonate across generations of fans, ensuring that the sport's future is built on a foundation that respects its past.